We decided to really get going today, knowing that we are due in Goring tomorrow night. We set out just before 8:30 and travelled the decorous stretch through Henly, watcing more awnings and tents being erected for the Henley Regatta. We stopped twice in Reading. Once, where we did on the way down, to do a quick grocery shop. Then we stopped after the lock, just above the Caversham bridge. This was for Elizabeth to hop off for Reading Station to buy tickets for the weekend (Goring, Manchester, Chester, Goring). This is Bella seen from the bridge. Elizabeth returned with tickets and Cornish pasties. mmmm.Along the way, we saw Great Western trains on the routes to and from Reading - and got two hoots from drivers when we waved. We moored for a while just up at Mapleduram lock in order to dispose of much reclycing, devour ice cream and watch a huge passenger ferry go through the lock. Amazing sight.
Finally we settled into Pangbourne. Having been told by the Caversham Lockeeper that there was room (no problem!), we tried one last place to realise there was no way it would work. We then gratefully accepted an offer to moor alongside Tamesis, a lovely cream coloured broad beam. She's on a long outing from her mooring on the Lancaster Canal, having made it to the Thames by way of the Grand Union. Being wide, she won't be able to make the circle by using the Oxford Canal and will have to turn around. Whatever, we are delighted she was in Pangbourne and welcomed close guests!
